Queen Street mall 'gunman' still in hospital

THE man accused of brandishing a gun in Brisbane's Queen St mall remains in hospital and was excused from appearing for his first court mention.

Lee Matthew Hillier, from Caboolture, is allegedly responsible for evacuating the popular mall in the heart of the CBD during the busy lunch time rush.

Stores went into lockdown as police descended to clear the area and negotiate with Hillier.

Police fire both lethal and "less than lethal" rounds to gain control of the situation.

It is understood police have now established Hillier's gun was not loaded.

Hillier's lawyer fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on the 34-year-old's behalf for charges of carrying an exposed weapon in a public place, going armed to cause fear and five counts of serious assault.

During the two-minute mention, the magistrate asked whether Hillier was having a psychiatric assessment.

Lawyer John Cook would not confirm, rather answering: "Well, it's certainly a medical assessment".

The case will return to Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 22.

Ethical Standards Command, as per standard practice when a shooting occurs, is investigating.